I. Volunteers are needed with expertise in specialized areas such as farming

Recommendations 100

• R1
  All artwork currently on the Fulton Mall remain in the mall area.
• R2
  The maintenance and restoration program for the artwork continue.
• R3
  Future Grand Juries monitor decisions that may affect the art on the Fulton Mall. CITY OF FRESNO PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT AFTER SCHOOL RECREATION PROGRAM Introduction As a result of inquiries from concerned citizens, the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury initiated an investigation into the Fresno City Parks and Recreation Department’s After School Program. The Fresno City Parks and Recreation Department directs After School Recreation Programs at 59 elementary school sites under the auspices of a joint use agreement with the Fresno, Clovis, and Central Unified School Districts. The 59 elementary school sites have been divided into three geographic areas with community centers for each area as follows: · West - Hinton Center, 2385 S. Fairview Avenue · East - Mosqueda Center, 4670 E. Butler Avenue · North - Ted C. Wills Center, 770 N. San Pablo The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury visited each of these centers and spoke with supervisory personnel.
• R4
  Develop a plan to have additional personnel available when student participation reaches an unmanageable level at school sites.
• R5
  Provide Service Aides with updated communication equipment (e.g., cell phones, two way radios, etc.) to ensure quick, reliable communication for safety purposes.
• R6
  Develop a plan which will encourage parents and community volunteers to assist Service Aides.
• R7
  Develop a uniform plan regarding the policies and procedures of the After School Recreation Program, arrange with the participating school principals to distribute this plan to each child, and have plans available for distribution to new participants by Service Aides.
• R8
  Emphasize the merits of the After School Recreation Program to the school principals and request periodic “news” articles in bulletins/newsletters to parents regarding the importance of picking up children on time.
• R9
  Create permanent signs to be posted at prominent drop-off and pickup locations of each participating school, informing parents of the hours of the After School Recreation Program. CITY OF MENDOTA ENTERPRISE WATER FUND Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury received a complaint from a citizen group requesting an investigation of the City of Mendota’s accounting practices regarding the enterprise water fund, the general fund, and the Redevelopment Agency Funds. As a part of the investigation, representatives of the City of Mendota and of the complaining citizen group, were interviewed by the Fresno County Grand Jury. No audits were conducted by this Grand Jury.
• R10
  The City of Mendota water rates be reviewed and adjusted annually.
• R11
  Only costs specifically associated with the operation and maintenance of the water system be charged to the City of Mendota water revenue account.
• R12
  Mendota city officials provide better means of informing citizens about financial operations.
• R13
  Future Fresno County Grand Juries monitor the financial activities of the City of Mendota. CITY OF MENDOTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BIOMASS POWER PLANT Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury inquiry into the water rate increase in the City of Mendota revealed that the City of Mendota has two redevelopment areas. The two together encompass the entire City of Mendota. The major development in Redevelopment Agency Area #1 (RDA#1) is the biomass power plant. Biomass power plants produce electricity from plant material, vegetation, and agricultural waste.
• R14
  In the 2002/2003 Fresno City Budget, the amount allocated ($1,225,000.00) to the Fresno City Council Capital Improvement Projects- District Capital budget be removed and placed in the General Fund to avoid cuts in critical City services.
• R15
  Future Fresno County Grand Juries continue to monitor the City of Fresno budget. FRESNO COUNTY COMMITTEE Paul Sullivan, Chair Judith Guardaro Allene Kahl Karen Mello Harold Price Leo Shishmanian 14 COUNTY COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury County Committee’s primary function is to review aspects of county government and special districts. Among the committee’s responsibilities is to insure that county monies and operations are handled in an efficient, effective, and appropriate manner that best serve the interest of the citizens. The Grand Jury received requests for inquiries into various government operations within the County of Fresno. The County Committee conducted inquiries of the following: A. Security of the County Buildings B. The Office of the Fresno County Coroner C. Fresno County Coroner Facility-Autopsy Suite/Morgue D. Office of the Fresno County Personnel Department E. Little Hoover Commission-Special Districts F. Fresno County Fire Protection District G. Elkhorn Correctional Facility In the course of conducting these inquiries the committee gathered facts and interviewed many citizens, officials, department heads, and other employees of the County of Fresno. During the process of the investigations, the committee made numerous field trips to government facilities within the county. SECURITY OF COUNTY BUILDINGS Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury, prompted by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, evaluated security measures in County buildings. There are approximately 200 buildings that fall under County supervision; however, four buildings are primarily involved with the majority of County business. These are the Hall of Records, the County Court House, the Plaza Building, and the main County Jail.
• R16
  A complete and thorough security survey be conducted by either the Fresno County Sheriff or the United States Marshall Service.
• R17
  Closer cooperation be established between the County Administrative Officer/General Services Security Division and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department on security issues within the County of Fresno.
• R18
  Based upon the findings of the security review, a new management directive on work site security be written and issued.
• R19
  The access gate to the garage under the Court House be completed as soon as possible and security cameras be placed at the entrance and in key locations in the garage.
• R20
  Security cameras be placed in appropriate locations in other county garages.
• R21
  Access gates be placed at entrances of garages related to the Plaza Building. 18
• R22
  Pedestrian access into the Plaza Building and the Hall of Records be more closely monitored by security personnel.
• R23
  Adequate barriers be placed to prevent potentially dangerous vehicles from parking in close proximity to all County buildings.
• R24
  County employees be mandated through management directive to wear identification badges in the work place.
• R25
  Fresno County Board of Supervisors increase the priority of security for the employees and facilities of the County of Fresno.
• R26
  Future Grand Juries monitor the progress of the implementation of security improvements throughout the County of Fresno. THE OFFICE OF FRESNO COUNTY CORONER Introduction The 2001/2002Fresno County Grand Jury evaluated the Office of Fresno County Coroner to determine its suitability to handle the forensic medical needs of the 21st Century.
• R27
  The Office of Coroner be repealed from the Fresno County Charter.
• R28
  Fresno County establish an Office of Medical Examiner headed by a qualified forensic pathologist.
• R29
  The Office of Public Administrator/Public Guardian be established as a separate department. FRESNO COUNTY CORONER FACILITY – AUTOPSY SUITE/MORGUE Introduction With the 2000/2001 Fresno County Grand Jury recommendation that a new morgue was needed before “the County reaches a crisis situation,” the autopsy suite, including the morgue, of the Coroner’s office was visited by the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury.
• R30
  Construction of a new autopsy suite, including a morgue, be given top priority and adhere to the guidelines of the National Association of Medical Examiners.
• R31
  Prior to any construction, consultations be held with the National Association of Medical Examiners and forensic pathologists in California.
• R32
  Consideration be given to constructing a new autopsy suite (including a morgue) adjacent to the medical teaching facility being constructed next to Community Hospital. OFFICE OF THE FRESNO COUNTY PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Introduction The 2001-2002 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated delays in hiring employees for law enforcement related positions. These include correctional officers, group counselors for Juvenile Hall and Elkhorn, Probation Department, Sheriff’s Department, and the investigating division of the office of the District Attorney.
• R33
  The Fresno County Personnel Department review the present system of hiring with a goal of expediting recruitment and hiring.
• R34
  An outside consultant be retained to review the Fresno County Personnel Rules and make recommendations to streamline the hiring process. This would enable Fresno County hiring practices to be more competitive. LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION - SPECIAL DISTRICTS Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury responded to a request from the California Little Hoover Commission. All county grand juries were contacted and encouraged to review their report and that of the Sacramento County Grand Jury. The Commission’s report was the culmination of a yearlong study of the operation of California’s more than 2,200 independent districts. The Commission’s central conclusion was that special districts, because of their numbers and typically narrow focus, often lack the kind of oversight and citizen involvement necessary to promote their efficient operation and evolution. The Little Hoover Commission’s report found: A. Special districts are often invisible to the public and policy makers, compromising oversight and accountability. B. Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCO), by not aggressively scrutinizing the organization of special districts, have failed to promote the efficient and effective evolution of local government. C. Policy makers and community leaders lack the analytical tools necessary to assess the benefits of consolidation, impeding their ability to advocate effectively for change and overcome the tenacity of the status quo. D. Hundreds of independent special districts have banked multi-million dollar reserves that are not well publicized and often not considered in regional or statewide planning. E. Property tax allocations to some enterprise districts create inequities among districts and distort the true costs of services. A significant portion of property tax allocated to all enterprise districts subsidizes districts with the highest reserves.
• R35
  The Court impanel a special grand jury or panel with the task of reviewing in detail the special districts in Fresno County. FRESNO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury responded to citizens’ concerns regarding decreased funding of the Fresno County Fire Protection District and its ability to deliver emergency services. A secondary concern was the Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, since a low rating can significantly increase fire insurance premiums.
• R36
  The Fresno County Board of Supervisors support the overall mission of the fire district.
• R37
  The Fresno County Board of Supervisors allocate Proposition 172 funds to support the five special fire districts in Fresno County.
• R38
  The District increase number of firefighters on each fire engine.
• R39
  The District staff water-tenders with full time operators.
• R40
  The District purchase at least one aerial ladder truck to service the taller buildings within its boundaries.
• R41
  The District upgrade its fire engine replacement plan to a more reasonable time frame of 8-10 years.
• R42
  The District create a long term goal of constructing fire stations in widely separated unprotected areas.
• R43
  Fresno County and the cities within the County develop an equitable annexation tax sharing agreement that includes fire protection.
• R44
  A developer impact fee be implemented for upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure of the Fire Districts.
• R45
  Fire Districts proactively educate and assist those residents who are attempting to upgrade their ancillary fire protection.
• R46
  Future Fresno County Grand Juries continue to monitor the Fresno County Fire Protection Districts. ELKHORN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury followed up on the recommendation of the 2000/2001 Grand Jury to monitor the operations of the Elkhorn Correctional Facility (Juvenile Boot Camp). The Grand Jury toured the Elkhorn Correctional Facility (Elkhorn) on November 16, 2001. The director and support staff provided a briefing on the history of Elkhorn and goals of the program. The indoctrination of new juvenile offenders into the cadet program was observed by Grand Jury members.
• R47
  The new director of Elkhorn Correctional Facility continue the current philosophy and maintain the established programs that have been successful.
• R48
  Fresno County continue to fund and maintain the present high level of services at Elkhorn Correctional Facility.
• R49
  The City of Fresno continue to fund the Elkhorn Correctional Facility at no less than the current rate of one million dollars per year and eliminate the December 2004 sunset date.
• R50
  Fresno County Personnel Department establish a system to streamline the hiring process of Group Counselors prior to background checks.
• R51
  The Probation Department expedite the background investigations procedures.
• R52
  The Probation Department actively promote in the community the need for volunteers with vocational skills including agricultural expertise, providing a broader farming experience for the cadets.
• R53
  The Chief Probation Officer continue monitoring the recidivism rates and statistics on cadet performance in aftercare programs.
• R54
  Future Fresno County Grand Juries continue to monitor the activities at the Elkhorn Correctional Facility, the on-site Heintz School, and the off- site Forward Bound Academy at Teilman School. EDUCATION, LIBRARY & YOUTH COMMITTEE Robin Baldwin, Chair Alan Button Jesse McDonald Eric Lin Joan Quintana Jess Saldana 35 EDUCATION, LIBRARY AND YOUTH COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The Education, Library and Youth Committee of the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury addressed and reported on the following areas of concern: A. Non-Compliance of English Proficiency Program in the Parlier Unified School District. B. West Fresno Elementary School District. C. Curricula Alignment of Washington Union High School District and Feeder Schools. D. Charter Schools. Areas reviewed and not reported on are: A. Fresno County Library. B. Transportation fees charged to student athletes to participate in athletic events. C. Forward Bound Academy at Teilman School. NON-COMPLIANCE OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY PROGRAM IN PARLIER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated a citizen complaint that Parlier Unified School District (PUSD) discriminates against Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. Parlier attracts a large number of migrant farm laborers, mostly from Texas and Mexico. PUSD consists of three elementary schools (K-6), one junior high school (7-8), one high school (9-12), and an alternative high school (9-12). According to the Fresno County Council of Governments Directory, the community is 97% Hispanic.
• R55
  Master plan to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide services to Limited English Proficient students be completed, approved by the Parlier Unified School District Board of Trustees, and accepted by the Office of Civil Rights. WEST FRESNO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT Introduction Members of the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury visited the West Fresno Elementary School District office and its two schools. During these visits, members met with the interim superintendent, teachers, staff, and school board members.
• R56
  The West Fresno Elementary School District make available to and provide training for parents/guardians to aid them in operating home computers.
• R57
  The West Fresno Elementary School District encourage parents/guardians to learn to operate home computers.
• R58
  The West Fresno Elementary School District encourage parents/guardians to access and utilize the school’s computer data system to gain information concerning student grades, assignments, academic progress, and disciplinary issues. 39
• R59
  The West Fresno Elementary School District provide information to parents/guardians listing locations in the community where they may gain access to computers.
• R60
  The West Fresno Elementary School District consult with Washington Union High School to coordinate curricula and in-service training.
• R61
  The West Fresno Elementary School District consult with other Washington Union High School feeder schools with a goal of coordinating text books, curricula, and in-service training.
• R62
  The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury continue to monitor West Fresno Elementary School District’s educational progress. CURRICULA ALIGNMENT OF WASHINGTON UNION HIGH SCHOOL AND FEEDER SCHOOLS Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed the recommendations from the 2000/2001 Fresno County Grand Jury report regarding Washington Union High School District (WUHS) and its feeder schools. Feeder schools are defined as those schools whose graduates advance to WUHS. The following, each of which constitutes an independent school district, serve as feeder schools for WUHS: American Union Orange Center Pacific Union Washington Colony West Fresno West Park WUHS and four of the six elementary schools were visited and discussions were held with administrative staffs and school board members regarding coordination of curricula. Unification of feeder schools with WUHS was also discussed.
• R63
  Washington Union High School and its feeder schools coordinate curricula.
• R64
  A Curriculum Committee comprised of representatives from Washington Union High School and all of its feeder schools be established and meet on a regular basis.
• R65
  A Superintendents Committee, comprised of the Superintendents from each of the feeder schools, be formed to provide a forum to discuss items of mutual concern.
• R66
  Coordinated curricula be used and in-service training be offered teachers of all feeder schools.
• R67
  Student exit exams be utilized as a reference for aligning the curricula.
• R68
  A central based Learning Center be established for in-service training. CHARTER SCHOOLS Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated the charter schools in Fresno County. Charter schools are a recent development for “Education Reform” as titled in California’s Charter School Act of 1992, Act 47600. The act’s intent was to “provide opportunities for teachers, parents, pupils, and community members to establish and maintain schools that operate independently from the existing school structure, as a method to accomplish innovative learning and teaching techniques to improve student learning.” The Grand Jury reviewed charter schools within the County of Fresno. During this review, the Grand Jury made onsite visits to two charter schools and received testimony from educators. Due to pending litigation and ongoing investigations the Grand Jury limited the scope of their inquiries.
• R69
  Sponsoring school districts located in Fresno County limit their charter schools to locations within the County of Fresno and adjacent counties.
• R70
  Sponsoring school districts located in Fresno County review their monitoring practices of charter schools with a goal of providing necessary over-sight. HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Karen Mello, Chair Robin Baldwin Karen Miller Harold Price Paul Sullivan Ann Thaxter 46 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury Health and Human Services Committee addressed four areas of concern as a result of citizen inquiries and/or Grand Jury priorities. The subjects of committee investigations were: A. The delivery of health and social services to rural and urban Fresno County. B. Food handling and inspection reporting in retail food facilities in Fresno County. C. The identification and reporting of communicable disease in Fresno County. D. Services available for adult males in the Human Services System. The committee determined not to proceed with a report on the adult male services in the Human Services System. Upon investigation, after a citizen complaint, it was found that programs for adult males are readily available. Bioterrorism threats in the United States after September 11, 2001, motivated the committee to review the procedures and policies of identifying and reporting on communicable disease in Fresno County. Investigation determined that a complex, multidepartmental, comprehensive system for identification and reporting communicable disease is in operation in Fresno County. During the process of gathering information for its two reports, the Health and Human Services Committee interviewed citizens, officials, department heads, and employees of the County of Fresno. Visits were made to various relevant facilities. Following are the
• R71
  Establish an ABC grading system that is defined and publicized for retail food facilities and the public. 49
• R72
  Require ABC grading results be clearly posted at the entrance of the food facility.
• R73
  Monitor and encourage food handlers to wear gloves in compliance with state law.
• R74
  Monitor and encourage food safety trainers, food handlers, and servers to adhere to state rules established by California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law 2001. THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE “ONE-STOP” REGIONAL CENTERS BY THE HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated the changes made by the Human Services System (HSS) to meet its goal of providing more efficient and cost-effective health and social services to urban and rural Fresno County.
• R75
  The Human Services System (HSS) continue to develop comprehensive “one-stop” Regional Centers in Fresno County where the largest rural population of HSS consumers live.
• R76
  The Human Services System develop true “one-stop” centers within crucial areas of the City of Fresno.
• R77
  The Human Services System increase the ratio of substance abuse educators and counselors to consumers at the Selma Regional Center and all future centers.
• R78
  Future Fresno County Grand Juries monitor the progress of planned “one- stop” Regional Centers. LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE Judith Guardado, Chair Robert Buchanan Allene Kahl Jesse McDonald Stanley Kooyumjian Joan Quintana 54 LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury Law Enforcement Committee reported on four areas of concern as a result of citizen inquiries and/or Grand Jury priorities. A. The Office of the Fresno County Probation Department. B. Fresno Police Department property room at Elizabeth and Broadway Streets. C. The Fresno Police Department Chief’s Advisory Board. D. Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC). During the process of gathering information for its four reports, the Law Enforcement Committee interviewed citizens, officials, department heads, and employees of government agencies within the County of Fresno. Visits were made to various relevant facilities. OFFICE OF THE FRESNO COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated a written complaint from a citizen that criticized Fresno County Adult Probation Department’s process for monitoring the terms of probation imposed by the Superior Court.
• R79
  The Fresno County Probation Department review the current process for monitoring and collecting restitution and fines, in order to establish a process to efficiently track and collect payments.
• R80
  Additional Probation Department personnel be hired in order to support the departments need’s and maintain the integrity of the judicial system. FRESNO POLICE DEPARTMENT PROPERTY ROOM Introduction The 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 Fresno County Grand Juries made recommendations for continued Grand Jury review of the Fresno Police Department Property Room. Members of the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury toured the property room located at 940 N. Broadway Street in Fresno. The objective of the visit was to determine if the recommendations of the previous Grand Juries had been implemented.
• R81
  The Fresno Police Department continue to improve monitoring the bookings and safeguarding of evidence.
• R82
  The Fresno Police Department implement a bar code system for the property room.
• R83
  The Fresno Police Department conduct random drug testing of all property room personnel.
• R84
  All evidence booked be verified by two persons.
• R85
  Future Grand Juries revisit and review the property rooms. CITY OF FRESNO POLICE CHIEF’S ADVISORY BOARD Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed the newly created Chief’s Advisory Board (Board).
• R86
  The Fresno Chief of Police prepare and issue a mission statement for the Chief’s Advisory Board.
• R87
  The Fresno Chief of Police specify the number of members of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
• R88
  The Fresno Chief of Police establish a format to allow for the rotation of terms for members of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
• R89
  The Chief’s Advisory Board be comprised solely of unpaid volunteers.
• R90
  Members of the Chief’s Advisory Board be accessible to the public.
• R91
  Member of the Chief’s Advisory Board continue to be comprised of a broad cross section of the community to provide diversity.
• R92
  The Chief’s Advisory Board remain in an advisory capacity and continue to serve as a conduit for information between the citizens of the City of Fresno and the Fresno Police Department. MULTI-AGENCY GANG ENFORC EMENT CONSORTIUM (MAGEC) Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC). The goal of MAGEC is to eradicate criminal activity of street gangs whose members threaten, terrorize, and commit a multitude of crimes against citizens, schools, and businesses.
• R93
  The necessary officers and resources assigned to the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) be continued in order to deal with escalating gang activities.
• R94
  Cities within Fresno County currently not participating in the Multi- Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) reconsider participating in the program. TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Jess Saldana, Chair Alan Button Jim Cotton Merle Hanson Eric Lin Leo Shishmanian 64 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed and investigated complaints from concerned citizens of Fresno County. The area investigated and reported is: A. The unusually high number of traffic injuries and fatalities in Fresno County and the City of Fresno. Areas reviewed and recommended for follow-up by the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury are: A. Fresno-Yosemite International Airport construction. B. Traffic signal light cameras. MOTOR VEHICLE-CAUSED INJURIES AND DEATHS IN FRESNO COUNTY Introduction Based on unsolicited concerns from local health care and trauma experts regarding the number of motor vehicle-caused injuries and deaths in Fresno County, the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury conducted an investigation.
• R95
  The number of traffic control officers within the Fresno Police Department be increased and enforcement be significantly intensified.
• R96
  Enhanced traffic enforcement be used frequently by the Fresno Police Department at unannounced checkpoints as an on-going process on heavily traveled streets, including morning and evening commutes. 67
• R97
  During daylight hours, the use of unmarked cars for traffic enforcement be considered by the Fresno Police Department.
• R98
  The City and County of Fresno work together to change the 1977 Memorandum of Understanding to provide revenue to the City of Fresno for enhanced traffic control.*
• R99
  Driver education students be made aware of personal injury or death which can occur through reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Graphic videos are available to the schools for this purpose.
• R100
  The penalties for driving under the influence be vigorously enforced for all offenders and to the maximum extent of the law.